Is European or American Roulette Better?
By Space Coast Daily // November 25, 2022
Ranking games of chance based on how profitable they are can be pretty difficult since everyone has a favorite game to play. However, when it comes to European and American roulette, the decision should be significantly easier.
Essentially, we have two identical games, with the only difference between them being the extra zero slot on the wheel. This is the characteristic of American roulette, whereas European versions have a single zero and this applies to French roulette.
The house edge makes the difference
When you have two games that are so similar, it can be difficult to figure out which is the better one. The same rules apply and the pay-outs are the same, but the devil is in the details and in this particular occasion, we have to take a closer look at the zero slots.
The fact that you have two 0 slots on the wheel affects all the bets one can place, which influences the chance to win.
To put things into perspective, if you bet on a straight number, you need to predict one out of a total of 38 possibilities.
By comparison, European roulette has just 37 numbers, so you have a slightly better chance to be successful. Things are even more obvious when you consider outside bets, namely the ones where you have a 50% chance to make the right call.
The bottom line is that regardless of the type of wager you prefer and the states, the house edge will always favour American roulette.
The numbers don’t lie and if you play American roulette the house edge is 5.26%, whereas the European version has a 2.70% edge. Your chances are even better when you play French roulette since the two special bets reduce the house edge to as little as 1.35%.
Bonuses can tip the balance
Online casinos like FruityKing.co.nz continue to advertise American roulette and there is no shortage of people willing to take a leap of faith. One would have to wonder why are there so many punters willing to accept a higher household with no obvious benefits.
Only a small percentage of these gamblers are driven by patriotism or don’t understand the numbers and think that the house edge is irrelevant.
Most of the players who continue to play American roulette do so because they are attracted by special bonuses and promotions.
Casinos sometimes offer financial incentives to those who choose to play this game and restrict the bonuses to American roulette. In the long run, the profit they make from exercising a higher house edge more than offsets the cost, so this is a sound financial decision.
